Health check for your dog

No one likes to think that their beloved pet can become ill, and if it does happen then the whole process can be distressing. From an accident in the street to an unexpected illness, dog owners are faced with a whole range of possible medical issues. But thankfully there is something that you can do to take back a degree of control.

Firstly, it pays to familiarise yourself with diseases and ailments that are common to dogs. Then it makes sense to give your canine a regular ‘once-over’ to make sure that there is nothing serious to worry about. If you do spot something then you can get to your vet as soon as possible.

Of course, it also makes sense to have regular check-ups with your vet – and he or she can advise you on what frequency is best for your dog.

What to look for

You know your dog better than anyone else, so you will be able to notice when things seems to be wrong. Here is what you should be looking for/checking:

• Changes in behaviour – Has your dog got a persistent appetite loss, is it lethargic or ‘out of sorts’, is it whimpering or crying or has it become more aggressive? These and other changes in behaviour could indicate a problem that has no physical external signs.
• Obvious physical symptoms – If your dog is coughing, vomiting, limping or having muscle tremors, has diarrhoea or blood in its stools or has excessive thirst or is urinating a lot, then there may be a problem.
• Less obvious problems – These are the ones that you may only see by examining your pooch. By stroking the dog all over, does it wince in pain at any point? Does it have problems with its teeth or mouth, such as bleeding gums or bad breath? Is there a redness or discharge from the eyes, ears and nose? Does it have any rashes on its skin when you look through the fur? Does it have any unusual lumps and bumps that you haven’t noticed before? Are there worms in the faeces? All of this could indicate problems that need a vet’s attention.

If you are in any doubt about your dog’s welfare, don’t hesitate to call your vet and they will tell you whether to make a non-emergency appointment or whether you need to bring the dog in urgently.

Getting older

As dogs get older, they are prone to certain diseases – however some owners don’t go to the vet because they think the dog is just ‘slowing down’, when they could be showing symptoms of an illness that can be treated. Here are some common ailments that you should look out for:

• Arthritis – Your dog might be stiff in the mornings but more agile as the day goes along and it may struggle with long walks.
• Epilepsy - Older dogs are more prone to having fits and this can be a sign of something serious, such as liver disease or even brain tumours. In most, but not all cases, the fits can be controlled by tablets.
• Heart disease – A condition called Endocardiosis is common in toy breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas. This can be treated with medication enabling these dogs to live happy lives for years. Symptoms of heart disease include: a dry cough, getting tired by exercise, breathlessness, blue gums and a pot belly.
• Prostate problems – If your male dog isn't castrated then the prostate gland will enlarge with advancing age. The enlarged prostate may press against your dog's bladder and colon, causing straining on urination or defecation. If you see your dog straining, get him checked out quickly because if he continues to strain he will rupture the muscles and cause a hernia.

It pays to be insured…

Having pet insurance won’t stop your pet becoming ill or having accidents. However, with Direct Line pet insurance we can pay the vet direct for any bills charged to you. Policyholders also have access to a “find a vet” helpline so you can locate your nearest surgery quickly in an emergency.

Click on the pet insurance section of this website to find more details about our policies and to get an online quote.

Related information:

Pet health checker – more information on the most basic signs to look for in dogs and cats
Training your dog – how to train puppies to become well-behaved adult dogs
Dog theft – unfortunately it’s becoming all too common. Here’s how to keep your dog safe